Hello all.
I am currently needing to replace my mobility scooter(not under warranty) batteries. I have been using two 12V/35Ah AGM SLA's. These batteries, and others like it generally have a CCA(cold cranking amperage) rating, especially if used in cars. I am eyeing some LiFEPo4 batteries 16Ah/32A max continuous, and 24Ah/48A max continuous.
I don't know if there is a relationship of CCA & the max continuous current listed for the LiFePo4 batteries, but I know this is going to play big into my needs as I have to scooter up hills regardless of the direction from my home that I travel. Being that the Ah rating on the batteries(35Ah, 24Ah, 16Ah) is like a gass tank in that it determines how far I can go, I should be set with 24Ah, not sure on the 16Ah batt. My concern is can I safely(for the sake of battery life) get up these hills. Using these new, light batteries would enable me to dump nearly 50lbs from the equation and are far easier to handle when storing for the winter.

Q: can I text the "max continuous current by placing an ammeter in line with my scooter circuit to accurately measure the current needed to get up these hills??
Q: Would I need a specific charger for these batteries? I assume, yes.

 

Getting the max current draw is a good place to start. You can measure it with a clamp ammeter that works with DC current. There are several available on Amazon.

Also LiFe batteries do require a charger designed to work with LiFe batteries.

 

I don't know if this information will help, but here it is. The lead acid batteries have a discharge rate of 20 hours. So a 35AH would have a normal discharge rate of 1.75 amps. If you discharge it at its AH rate, it will only last about 1/2A. I realize your discharge rate varies with the
load on the batteries. There is a website that may help, it is batteryuniversity.com.